S&W model 34-1 .22 nickel chrome finish

[revnig]

S&W model 34-1 .22 nickel chrome finish. Seems like a well made revolver model 34-1 4 inch barrel serial 16903 I'm not sure when it was made. Thanks

 

[g8rb8]

Per the SCSW (Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson) 4th edition the 34-1 was introduced in 1960 at about serial # 70000 and the 34-1 was produced until about 1988 when the 34-2 was introduced. Thumbpiece was changed to more modern style which your revolver has in 1966. M prefix serial number was introduced in 1969. Pinned barrel eliminated in 1982. Just by looking at your revolver it would date to between 1966 (after new thumbpiece) and 1982 (pinned barrel deleted) however the serial number you provide (with no M prefix) would date your revolver to somewhere between about 1956 and 1959.

My guess is that you left the M prefix off your serial number? If so that would date your revolver to 1981. The best place to find the serial number is on the bottom of the butt frame (under the grips on your revolver).

 

[revnig]

I appreciate the information. I've added a photo of the butt of the weapon minus the grips and indicating the serial number and there is no letter prefix so I wonder if it's an earlier revolver.

 

[pharmer]

The latest book shows 1965 started with 108XXX. Maybe around there, yours is a few thousand earlier. Joe

 

[g8rb8]

Given MOD. 34-1 is stamped on the frame opposite the yoke, the number stamped on the butt frame and my vague memory that sometimes the M prefix was omitted or didn't fit, and serial number range M100000-M130000 dates to 1978-1979 I would bet your revolver dates to 1978-1979.

I have two similar vintage kit guns but I am unable to view them at this moment. I would want to compare the numbers on your butt frame to mine. Maybe this evening. Without anything to compare to the serial number stamping size on the butt frame seem a little large (see link below). Do any members have an opinion on the size of the serial #'s or a picture of serial numbers on the butt frame to compare?

I suggest you check the inside of the stocks/grips. If the stocks/grips are original they will have the matching serial # stamped on the inside of one of them.

Hondo44 is a S&W Forum member very familiar with Kit Guns and hopefully will weigh in.

Here's a link to what a M prefix serial number looks like (scroll down to post #5):
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/132180-model-34-no-dash.html

 

[revnig]

Thanks again, I'll follow up on the suggestions.